Severe Weather Expected Tonight; Gusty Winds Before The Storms

March 30, 2022

A TORNADO WATCH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 A.M.

Severe weather is expected tonight across the North Escambia area with a rare 4 out of 5 chance.

A potent squall line is expected to move through the area through Wednesday night. Damaging winds in excess of 80 mph will be possible along with several fast moving tornadoes (some could be strong EF2 or greater). According to the National Weather Service, 80 mph winds can easily produce damage comparable to a tornado.

A wind advisory is in effect in advance of the storms. Sustained winds of 25-35mph with frequent gusts up to 50-55mph are expected. Loose articles should be secured and extreme caution will need to be taken on area bridges and overpasses. This is especially true for high profile vehicles and trailers. Over marine zones, a gale warning remains in effect.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7pm and 1am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Low around 63. Windy, with a south wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 80. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. East wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 77.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 78.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78.

Reminder: After School Activities, Sports Canceled In Escambia And Santa Rosa On Wednesday

March 30, 2022

The Escambia and Santa Rosa school districts have canceled all sports and extracurricular activities for Wednesday.

School will be in session as usual on Wednesday, and school is set to resume on Thursday in both counties. The greatest weather threat is during the evening hours on Wednesday, not during school hours.

After school activities are also canceled for schools in Escambia County, Alabama.

Cantonment Man Accused Of Using Gun To Threaten Juvenile On A Bicycle

March 30, 2022

A Cantonment man is facing a felony charge after allegedly using a gun to threaten a juvenile.

Jarrian Jamal Purifoy, 34, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Purifoy allegedly pulled a gun on a juvenile riding a bicycle in the area of Sheppard and Lincoln streets in Cantonment and threatened to shoot up his house, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

When located by deputies, Purifoy claimed he had been home all day and was waiting on a ride from his mom, and he denied driving a vehicle in which a deputy had seen him earlier, according to an arrest report.

Purifoy was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.

Here Are All The Winners From The GCA & NRYO Livestock Show

March 30, 2022

The Gulf Coast Agriculture & Natural Resources Youth Organization Annual Spring Livestock Show was held Friday and Saturday in Molino.

Youth exhibited chickens, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats and cows. In addition to showing their animals in the show ring, youth were quizzed on their knowledge of their projects. In the show ring youth competed in two types of classes, one focused on the youth, which is known as showmanship, and the other focused on the animal in either a breed or weight class. Over the past few months and even years, these youth have poured countless hours into working and preparing these animals.

For a photo gallery, click or tap here.

Winners were as follows:

Black Angus / Registered
1st – Brooke Hoomes
2nd  – Ella Gilmore

Grand Champion Black Angus – Brooke Hoomes
Reserve Champion Black Angus – Ella Gilmore

Brahman / Registered
1st -  Tucker Padgett

Grand Champion Brahman Tucker Padgett

Brangus / Registered
1st – Abbie Jane Trejo
2nd -  Charlotte Rease Trejo
3rd – Jack Trejo

Grand Champion Brangus – Abbie Jane Trejo
Reserve Champion Brangus – Charlotte Rease Trejo

British White / Registered
Class 1
1st – Landen Smith
2nd – Austin Manning
3rd – Channing Smith
Class 2
1st – Sarah Alexander
Class 3: registered cow calf pair British White
1st – Sarah Alexander

Grand Champion British White – Sarah Alexander
Reserve Champion British White – Sarah Alexander

Shorthorn / Registered
1st Jessie Joyner

Grand Champion Shorthorn Jessie Joyner

AOB Breeding Heifer
Class 1
1st Mallory Mahoney
2nd Mallory Mahoney
Class 2
1st Abbie Jane Trejo
Class 3
1st Tucker Padgett

Grand Champion AOB Breeding Heifer Abbie Jane Trejo
Reserve Champion AOB Breeding Heifer Tucker Padgett

Commercial Breeding Heifer
Class 1
1st Maevree McElhaney
2nd Tucker Padgett
3rd A.T. Bridgers
Class 2
1st Malarie Cooper
2nd Wyatt Allen
3rd Malarie Cooper
Class 3
1st James McELhaney

Grand Champion Commercial Breeding James McElhaney
Reserve Champion Commercial Breeding Mallory Cooper

Supreme Champion Breeding Heifer – James McElhaney
Reserve Supreme Champion Breeding Heifer – Abbie Jane

Breeding Heifer Showmanship
Jr Showmanship
1st Charlotte Rease Trejo
2nd Mallory Mahoney
3rd Malarie Cooper
Intermediate Showmanship
1st Tucker Padgett
2nd Jessie Joyner
3rd Abbie Jane Trejo
Senior Showmanship
1st James McElhaney
2nd Brooke Hoomes
Market Hog Show
Class 1/Ultralight
1st Lilly Warne
2nd Tate Chapter FFA
3rd Josh Nichols
Class 2/Light
1st Addie Manning
2nd Ellison Miller
3rd Dawson Guy
Class 3/Middle
1st Mavree McElhaney
2nd Allen Bridgers
3rd Sydney Gilmore
Class 4/Heavyweight
1st Weston Simmons
2nd Wyatt Allen
Class 5/Ultraheavyweight
1st Black Beauty

Market Hog Grand Champion – Maevree McElhaney
Market Hog Reserve Champion - Weston Simmons

Market Hog Showmanship
Senior
1st Lilly Warne
2nd Maevree McElhaney
3rd Josh Nichols
Intermediate
1st Tucker Padgett
2nd Addie Manning
3rd A.T. Bridgers
Junior
1st Ella Gilmore
2nd Sydney Gilmore
3rd Weston Simmons

Market Steer Show
Class 1:
1st Mackenzie Sims
2nd Brooke Hoomes
3rd Jessie Joyner
Class 2:
1st Weston Simmons
2nd Mary Oliver
3rd Josh Nichols
Class 3
1st MaeVree McElhaney
2nd Tucker Padgett
3rd Makayla Plato
Class 4
1st James McElhaney
2nd Malarie Cooper
3rd Grace Oliver

Market Steer Grand Champion James McElhaney
Market Steer Reserve Champion Maevree McElhaney

Market Steer Showmanship
Jr.
1st Malarie Cooper
2nd Weston Simmons
Intermediate
1st Grace Oliver
2nd Tucker Padgett
3rd Jessie Joyner
Senior
1st James McElhaney
Mackenzie Sims
Maevree McElhaney

Market Goat
1st Rylie Gibbs
Grand Champion Market Goat Rylie Gibbs

Breeding Goat Show
Class 1: 0-6 months
1st Ona Spinks
2nd Hunter Chance
Class 2: 6-12 months
1st Estella Perea
Class 3: 12-18 months
1st Andrew Fendley
Class 4: 18 plus months
1st Andrew Fendley
Class 5: Breeding Doe w/kid at side
1st Rylie Gibbs

Grand Champion Breeding Doe Andrew Fendley
Reserve Champion Breeding Doe Rylie Gibbs

Goat Showmanship
Junior
1st Rylie Gibbs
Intermediate
1st Hunter Chance
2nd Ona Spinks
3rd Estella Pere
Senior
1st Andrew Fendley

Dairy Goat Show
Class 1: Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goat
1st Jessie Joyner
Class 2: Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goat
1st Addison Soderlind
2nd Addisyn Ward
Class 3: Nigerian Dwarf
1st Buttercup

Grand Champion Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goat - Channing Smith
Reserve Champion Nigerian Dwarf - Addison Soderline

Class 1:Nubian Dairy Goat
1st Andrew Fendley
2nd Amanda McGee
3rd Hunter Chance
Class 2: Nubian
1st Gabbie Camp
2nd Cheyenne Taft
Class 3: Nubian
1st Bella Trivison
2nd Andrew Fendley
3rd Carmen Garcia

Grand Champion Nubian Dairy Goat Andrew Fendley
Reserve Champion Nubian Dairy Goat Bella Trivison

Grand Champion Dairy Goat Andrew Fendley
Reserve Champion Dairy Goat Channing Smith

Dairy Goat Showmanship
Jr. 1st Channing Smith
Intermediate
1st Jessie Joyner
2nd Addison Soderlind
3rd Bella Trivison
Senior 1st Andrew Fendley
2nd Amanda McGee

Market Lamb Show
Class 1: 1st Austin Manning
2nd Andrew Manning

Grand Champion Market Lamb Austin Manning
Reserve Champion Market Lamb Andrew Manning

Breeding Sheep
Class 1: 1st Austin Manning
Class 2: 1st Andrew Manning
2nd Andrew Manning
3rd Austin Manning

Grand Champion Breeding Sheep Andrew Manning
Reserve Champion Breeding Sheep Austin Manning

Sheep Showmanship

1st Andrew Manning
2nd Austin Manning

Preview Steer
Class 1
1st Hannah Jerkins
2nd Austin Manning
Class 2
1st Tucker Padgett
2nd Ella Gilmore
Class 3
1st Payton Fuqua
2nd Abbie Jane Trejo
3rd Ella Gilmore
Class 4
1st Payton Fuqua
2nd A.T. Bridgers
3rd Leah Rutherford
Class 5
1st James McElhaney
2nd Jack Trejo
3rd Charlotte Trejo

Grand Champion Preview Steer Payton Fuqua
Reserve Champion Preview Steer James McElhaney

Preview Steer Showmanship
Jr
1st Malarie Cooper
2nd Charlotte Rease Trejo
3rd Ella Gilmore
Intermediate
1st Jack Trejo
2nd Abbie Jane Trejo
3rd Tucker Padgett
Senior
1st Leah Rutherford
2nd James Mcelhaney
3rd Maevree McElhaney

Rabbit Show Results
Best in Show – Estella Perea
Best Opposite Sex – Tucker Padgett

Rabbit Showmanship
Junior Showmanship (8-10) 1 Weston Simmons

Intermediate Showmanship (11-13) 1 Tucker Padgett
2 Estella Perea
3 Alyson Hoover

Poultry Show
Best of Show – Skylah Miles – Buff Polish
Reserve Best of Show – Avery Weekley, Lavender Orpington
Showmanship
Poultry Showmanship
Jr.
1st Weston Simmons
Intermediate
1st Bella
2nd Bristol
3rd Estella Perea
Senior
1st Skylah
2nd Phoenix
3rd Christian
Chick Chain
Chick Chain Showmanship
Jr.
1st Lainey Dunsford
Intermediate
1st Jessie Joyner
2nd Kennedy Ard
3rd Matt Dunlap
Senior
1st Gracie Meredith
2nd Raimi Joseph
3rd Wyatt Allen

Chick Chain Show
Black Australorps
Grand Champion Pen 1st Dash Reeves
Reserve Champion Pen 2nd Wyatt Allen
Buff Orpingtons
Grand Champion Pen 1st Jessie Joyner
Reserve Champion Pen 2nd Matt Dunlap

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Annual Spring Fling Youth Summit Is Saturday At Carver Park

March 30, 2022

The Annual Spring Fling Youth Summit will be held this Saturday at Carver Park in Cantonment.

There will be free prizes, free food, music, arts and crafts, sports competition, educational and career information (grades 5-12), and lots of fun for grades kindergarten through high school.

The Spring Fling Youth Summit is sponsored by Ascend Performance Materials, IP, and the Escambia County CRA and is hosted by the Cantonment Improvement Committee.

For more information or to register, contact Mary Holley-Lewis at (850) 346-2797 or any member of the Cantonment Improvement Committee.

Carver Park is located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Escambia Health Department Suspends COVID-19 Testing

March 30, 2022

The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County will close their COVID-19 testing as of Friday due to a decline in demand.

“Individuals should continue to watch for COVID-19 symptoms. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, keep your distance from others, be evaluated by your health care provider, and get tests,” the health department said in a statement.

FDOH-Escambia continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible persons by appointment only Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Call (850) 595-6554 to schedule an appointment.

Mental Health Task Force To Kick Off ‘Take 5′ Minutes For Yourself Campaign

March 30, 2022

The Mental Health Task Force of Northwest Florida is preparing to kick off the second quarter of a yearlong awareness campaign, continuing the Task Force’s goal to raise awareness about mental health while encouraging community support for each other.

The Task Force has released additional free, shareable materials for the second quarter, which focuses on taking care of yourself. The “Take 5” campaign kicks off Friday, April 1 and reminds people to take five minutes to themselves when they need it. This could be taking a walk, stepping away from your computer, listening to your favorite song, or simply taking slow, deep breaths – whatever lightens your mood.

The “Take 5” campaign follows the Task Force’s first quarter “Ask 5” campaign, which reminded people to take a moment to ask five people if they’re ok.

“After focusing the first quarter of the year on taking care of others and checking in to see if they’re ok, I’m excited to highlight the importance of self-care,” said State Rep. Michelle Salzman, who has spearheaded the Mental Health Task Force. “Self-care is vital to a person’s mental health and well-being, and we too often put ourselves last while focusing on our families, friends, careers, and the many demands of our everyday lives. We hope everyone will share this message and encourage each other to ‘Take 5’ when you need it.”

The new social media materials for the second quarter are available on the Mental Health Task Force of Northwest Florida’s website. The materials are free and available to anyone, but organizations and individuals are also encouraged to take the mental health pledge to action to commit to making a positive impact on the mental health and wellness of your workplace.

Penton, Kelly Homer As Tate Shuts Out West Florida; Miller Tops Northview Softball

March 30, 2022

BASEBALL

Tate 15, West Florida 0

The Tate Aggies shut out the West Florida Jaguars 15-0 Tuesday night.

Ethan McAnally earned the win for Tate, going three innings with no runs, no hits and six strikeouts. Colen Swiets pitched one inning in relief, allowing one hit, not runs and striking out one.

Cade Kelly and Jackson Penton both had home runs for the Aggies. Penton was 3-3 with two runs and six RBIs to the lead Tate at bat.

For more photos, click to tap here.

SOFTBALL

T.R. Miller 11, Northview 8

Jamison Gillman gave up nine runs on four hits while striking out nine in six innings. Aubrey Stuckey tossed one inning in relief allowing two runs, not hits and striking out one.

Stuckey, Peyton Gilchrist, and Kayla Dixon had two hits each to lead Northview.

Pictured: The Tate Aggies shut out West Florida 15-0 Tuesday night. NorthEscambia.com photos by Laura Glodfelter, click to enlarge.

Threat Level Increased: Severe Thunderstorms Likely For Wednesday Night

March 29, 2022

A significant severe outbreak is expected across our area with damaging straight line winds up to 80 mph and several fast moving tornadoes possible, some could be strong.

The threat level has been updated to a (locally) rare 4 out of 5.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Windy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 7pm. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Low around 63. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 77.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 78.

More Details Released In Case Of Molino Man Facing Multiple Child Porn Charges

March 29, 2022

Court documents are offering new details about multiple child porn charges brought by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement against a 76-year old Molino man.

William David Pettus of 3101 Crabtree Church Road was charged with 25 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material on Saturday.

The investigation began last August after agents identified child sexual abuse material being shared from a computer in Escambia County. Agents obtained and executed a search warrant at Pettus’ residence in February. Forensic examinations of his electronic devices uncovered evidence of videos featuring children being abused, according to FDLE.

In documents obtained Monday by NorthEscambia.com, a FDLE special agent said an IP address belonging to Pettus was used to share files of known pornography between August 3, 2021, and again between January 23 and January 24, 2022. A search warrant was served at Pettus’ home at 3101 Crabtree Church Road.

“William Pettus identified the two desktop computers in his office were his and that his wife did not use computers, an arrest warrant states.

According to FDLE, 25 child pornographic images of male and female children as young as three were recovered from Pettus’ desktop computer, CDs, and external hard drives.

Most of Pettus’ statements to investigators were redacted from the warrant affidavit.

Pettus was released from the Escambia County Jail Saturday afternoon on a $50,000 bond.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest on an FDLE arrest warrant. ESCO and Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the case.

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